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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Pleurovenous shunt for treating refractory benign pleural effusion
Ahmet Sami Bayram1, Mustafa Köprücüoğlu, Mert Aygün
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Faculty of Uludag University, Gorukle-Bursa 16059, Turkey. asbayram2@yahoo.com
Summary
A long-term pleurovenous shunt successfully treated refractory hepatic hydrothorax in a patient with cirrhosis. This intervention managed pleural effusion after other treatments failed, maintaining shunt patency for 8 months.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatic hydrothorax is a serious complication of advanced liver cirrhosis.
- Refractory cases often fail conventional treatments like pleurodesis.
- Management of refractory hepatic hydrothorax remains challenging.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old female with chronic hepatitis C-induced hepatic cirrhosis presented with refractory hepatic hydrothorax.
- Mechanical pleurodesis was unsuccessful in managing the recurrent pleural effusion.
- A long-term pleurovenous shunt (PVS) was surgically placed to divert pleural fluid.
Findings:
- The pleurovenous shunt effectively drained pleural fluid, resolving the hepatic hydrothorax.
- The effusion was well-controlled during an 8-month follow-up period.
- The pleurovenous shunt remained patent and functional throughout the observation period.
Implications:
- Pleurovenous shunting offers a viable treatment option for refractory hepatic hydrothorax.
- This approach can improve quality of life for patients with advanced liver disease and recurrent effusions.
- Long-term PVS may be a safe and effective alternative when standard therapies fail.
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